What is your current role? Tell us a bit about your research
I am a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Pretoria. I specialize in tree health and protection. The focus of my current research is identifying the potential contamination sources of root rot pathogens (e.g. Phytophthora spp.) in citrus nurseries in South Africa.
What are you excited about in science communication?
I have the opportunity to reach a broader audience apart from my fellow science peers, which makes my work easily accessible to relevant stakeholders and has the potential to influence decisions affecting the lives of people in communities around me. Also, given that my work is mostly funded by taxpayers, through science communication I become accountable to them.
Why did you choose to participate in the ASAPbio Fellow program?
Honestly, I chose to participate in the program as I was curious about ASAPbio as I only recently heard about it. I also want to learn more about preprints and how preprints can impact the publication streamline that my peers and I undergo during the different stages in our academic careers.
Ask me about...
Books I can recommend for leisure reading or hiking spots in South Africa should you decide to visit my beautiful country!